Walk of atonement

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Cersei's penance walk from the Great Sept of Baelor to the Red Keep - by Marc Simonetti ©

A walk of atonement[1] is a punishment in the Seven Kingdoms usually reserved to punish, humiliate and shame a woman publicly for either adultery or whoring. The custom is usually performed as both a punishment and a way to degrade a woman and rob her of her pride and power.

History

When Tywin Lannister's father Tytos died, Tywin found his father's mistress trying on one of his late mother Joanna Lannister's gowns. A common-born woman and the daughter of a chandler, the mistress had dominated Tytos utterly, ordering the household knights about, dismissing servants and helping herself to his late wife's jewelery.[2][3] Expelling her from Casterly Rock, Tywin had her stripped naked and forced the sobbing woman to walk through the streets of Lannisport into exile at the docks, confessing to every man she met that she was a thief and a harlot.[4][1][3]

Recent Events

A Dance with Dragons

Cersei Lannister is forced to perform a walk of atonement by the High Septon of the Faith of the Seven from the Great Sept of Baelor to the Red Keep. Cersei is shaved of hair from her entire body, then stripped naked. An escort of Warrior's Sons, Poor Fellows, and several septas protect her from the leering and jeering crowds that have flocked to see her shame.[1]

Quotes

Vain and proud she was, before so haughty you’d think she’s forgot she came from dirt. Once we got her clothes off her, though, she was just another whore.[1]

House Lannister guardsman regarding Tytos Lannister's mistress


They think that this will break my pride, that it will make an end to me, but they are wrong.[1]

-Cersei Lannister's thoughts during her walk


Cersei was soiled goods now, Her power at an end.[3]

- Kevan Lannister after his niece's walk

References and Notes